TOPIC 1: Introduction to the Engineering Design Process: Introduction

TOPIC 1: Introduction to the Engineering Design Process

This module provides an overview for the multidisciplinary engineering design process as a sequence of fundamental stages with a Problem-Solving Model as a general integrating “common denominator”:

identification of the customer’s needs and other evoked life cycle constraints
establishing functional specifications and other product properties,
generating a conceptual product design,
performing the product design – an iterative procedure carried out in accordance to quality and competitive principles (plan, do, check, act) to reach a detail design where parts have been properly defined and embodied in a system, with manufacturing, assembly, cost, environmental and other relevant constraints that ought to be taken into account over the whole life cycle.
continuous evaluating suitability of the (predicted) product functions and other properties comparing to the specified requirements and competitive products

This module defines the expectations for each of the 3 checkpoints of the project and the final presentation of the results.

It is expected to be presented in front of students during the kick-off week.

1. Introduction

This part is intended to be presented in front of students during the kick-off week.

Pahl, Gerhard and Beitz, Wolfgang. 1996. Engineering Design. A Systematic Approach. London: Springer.

Eder, W. Ernst, and Hosnedl, Stanislav. 2010. Introduction to Design Engineering. Boca Raton: CRC Press

Ullman, David G. 1997. The Mechanical Design Process. McGraw-Hill.

The three textbooks are reference textbooks for possible further information. There are not mandatory. They are recommended for all topics addressed in this module (Parts 1-4).